Showing posts with label YW in Excellence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label YW in Excellence. Show all posts

YOUshare: PP - A Pattern For Life

Carrie was nice enough to send over a few pictures from their Young Women in Excellence. They decided to go with the theme: Personal Progress, A Pattern For Life.
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I am loving all the adorable details... actual patterns used for the table cloth, if you look closely you may see that the programs were sewn onto black card stock, pin cushion mason jars filled with candy (the tag says: "Pattern your life after the Savior that ye may thread together good works"), brightly colored "cute as a button" cookies, and how cute is that banner?!  :)
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Carrie, thank you for sharing!
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What Makes You Beautiful

I am sure you have seen at least one of these videos made by a few young men groups across the nation, in response to President Thomas S. Monson saying that "every woman deserves to be told she's beautiful."
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I would love to see a music video like this made by an Elder's Quorm or High Priest Group.  President Monson did say "every woman"... he did not specify age, right?  ;)
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Original inspiration: Citrus Heights Young Men
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The same group of young men made this video, as commissioned, for girls camp. :)
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Colorado Spring North Young Men
I love the arrow being shot into a YW Value Target!
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Alta Mesa Boyz
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Hayden Lake Stake Young Men
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One of these would be fun to watch during this activity: The Beauty I See In Them

Arise and Shine Forth Slap Bracelet


Do you remember when the Slap Bracelets were introduced in the late 80's?  Remember how much fun they were?  We would start with a stiff, flat bracelet.  Slap it across our wrist - cringing for fear of it hurting, but to our surprise it never did.  Then remove it.  Snap it open.  Slap in on again!  Then repeat.  Snap.  Slap.  Repeat.  Snap.  Slap.  Repeat.  Oh the fun!
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I was so excited to get these in the mail! Arise and Shine Forth Slap Bracelets from RingMasters.  I love the color scheme used, crisp and clean.  These silicone wrapped bracelets are not only awesome, they are quality items.  And big.  So much fun!
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Here's what my daughters had to say about them:
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Maddy (13), "It's a perfect way to show others what I believe in...  plus it's pretty cute."
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Brie (16), "People notice you because you are different... in a good way.  They even notice the bracelets you wear or the shirts you have on!  I explain that "arise" means to stand up for what you believe in.  Don't be afraid of being YOU."
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Maddy took her bracelet to school to see what her friends thought of it - and let them try it on for size.   :)  Looks like they were having fun! 
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She emailed me a bunch of pictures (48 to be exact, silly girl!) she took during their lunch hour, here are just a few of those:
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Her friend Garrett's birthday is this weekend. He was having so much fun slapping the bracelet on and off... guess what is being added to his gift?  :)  Maddy said the others kept asking her where she got it, and wanted one for themselves.  :)
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Let's see, what would be a great occassion to give the youth one of these:
  • Birthday
  • Youth Conference
  • YW Camp
  • YW in Excellence Take-A-Way
  • Stocking Stuffer
  • Just Because they are awesome!*
I also figured out that the slap bracelet fits perfectly around a bottle of water!  :)
Wouldn't this be fun to give the youth after a summer activity...
A nice cold water and something to help them remember this year's mutual theme.
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Join in the party and get your own Arise & Shine Forth
Slap Bracelet from RingMasters !!
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Arise and Shine Forth Slap Bracelet
Arise & Shine Forth Slap Bracelet
$3.95
purchase here
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Other Arise & Shine Forth products
you can purchase from RingMasters include:
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Arise & Shine Forth Guitar Pick Zipper Pull
Both my daughters play guitar,
I am thinking ahead... stocking stuffer!  :)
$1.95
purchase here
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Arise and Shine Forth UV Silicone Bracelet
Arise & Shine Forth UV Silicone Bracelet
The bracelet changes from white to purple in the sun!
How fun is that?
$2.95
purchase here
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Arise and Shine Forth Guitar Pick Necklace
Arise & Shine Forth Guitar Pick Necklace
Love this!
$3.95
purchase here

Pageant of Progress

This is for Julie, because I love you!  :)  Sorry I wasn't the one who posted the pageant themed activity.  I wish I was, it sounds like fun!
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By the way, is this what you were looking for:  New Beginnings: Young Women Values Pageant, skit found here.
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I decided to throw a few more ideas your way, with the Pageant Theme in mind.  Here are a few photos I dusted off for inspiration.  Julie, I would love a few from your pageant days!  :)
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{insert photos of 1990s Miss Orem Pageants here}  
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IDEA FLOW
I began by looking up the definition of  pag·eant/ˈpajənt/
  • A public entertainment consisting of a procession of people in costumes, or an outdoor performance of a historical scene.
  • A beauty contest.
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My thoughts then turned to developing... "Pageant of Progress:  a celebration of the Young Women program".

  • celebrate the history of the young women program
  • present through a procession of costumes and historical tidbits
  • celebrate individual beauty and accomplishments
I had to do a little research on the Young Women's program next.  This was pretty fun.  :)  I know I used more resources than listed below, sorry I didn't document very well.
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RESOURCES USED
History of Young Women Achievement Programs
Young Women - Then and Now,
A Century of Young Women
134 Years Young! New Era November 2003 (great photographs in article - here is the PDF)
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PURPOSE
Celebrate the history of the Young Women Program. Encourage young women to continue working on their Personal Progress by giving them opportunities to develop a new skill, and by displaying their creations.
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PROGRAM
I could see the night coming together in a number of ways.  I narrowed it down and chose to share this idea with you:
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Welcome:  ____________________
Opening Song:  "Carry On" (which was written as the anthem for LDS youth)
Opening Prayer:  ____________________
YW Theme:  ____________________
YW Historical Overview:
  • A presentation put together by the young women.  Each of them given a specific era to cover.  Creating a timeline of the Young Women Organization.
  • Or, this could be combined with a fashion show. (see idea below)  (I know a number of young women who would love to put outfits together for something like this.)
Musical Number:  ____________________
Fashion Show(if done separately)
Bishop's Remarks:  ____________________
Closing Prayer:  ____________________
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FASHION SHOW IDEA
Have the young women grouped into different time eras. Each young women dressed as a girl would from their assigned era.  I would let them do their own research (10 hour project?).  :)
The MC could describe what young women might have worn during that time and a "Did you know?" - tidbits about what the young women organization was like during that time.
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1869
Fashion:
pioneer dresses - you know the ones!  :)
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Did you know?
  • In November of 1869, one father wanted to do something specific to help his girls. It so happened that this father was President Brigham Young. And the way he organized his own daughters soon spread throughout the Church. One evening he asked his older daughters to stay behind after family prayer. There were ten of them in their teens. He pointed out that other young ladies in the Church looked up to the Young girls as examples. He asked them if they would form the Retrenchment Organization. He asked them to meet together to study the gospel and to keep their clothing simple and attractive.
1900s
Fashion:
long skirts, large brimmed hats, buttoned gloves
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Did you know?
  • In 1902 the first joint opening exercises were held for young men and young women.
1910s
Fashion: 
Long dresses, high collars, long sleeves.
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Did you know?
  • In 1915, every female over 14 was a Beehive girl until she entered Relief Society. There were no Mia Maids, Gleaners, or Laurels.
  • At this time, the Church established its first systematic awards program for girls.
  • First summer camp for girls was held in 1912.  (100 years old this year girls!)
1920s
Fashion: 
The flapper look, a shapeless dress.  I love the hats!
Hair styles were typically short and sleek.
I loved the swim picture, that's the only reason it is there.  :)
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Did you know?
  • In the 1920’s all young women who belonged to the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association were called Beehive girls, regardless of their age. They were arranged in groups called “swarms,” and their leaders were called Bee Keepers.  The Beehive program included three ranks:  Builders in the Hive, Gatherers of Honey, and Keepers of the Bees.
  • In 1922 gold and green became the official colors of MIA and the first Gold and Green Ball was held.
  • In 1929 they combined Young Woman's Journal and Improvement Era, to make one magazine for young men and young women.
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1930s
Fashion: 
well matched sweaters and skirts with blouse and jacket combinations
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Did you know?
  • In 1930 the hymn "Carry On" was introduced as the anthem for LDS youth.
  • Girls ages 12-13 did not become part of the MIA until 1934.
  • In the 1930s, leaders gave new emphasis to music, dance, and the performing arts. They published a recreational song book, and sociable singing became popular. They sponsored ten-minute musical programs or "road shows" that were locally created and rehearsed and then presented in successive wards in each LDS stake.
1940s
Fashion: 
*Skirts and dresses were A-line in shape (not pencil tight) and dropped down to the low knee. 
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Did you know?
  • Class symbols of the beehive, rose, and sheaf of wheat are introduced in 1943.
  • In 1944 the Big Sister program was started for young women and mothers who needed to go to work during the war years.
1950s
Fashion:
Poodle skirts, cashmere sweaters, sandals or loafers.
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Did you know?
  • In 1950 the Roses class was renamed Mia Maids.
  • Also in 1950, the Beehive girls became the first two years of Young Women. The next age-group was called Mia Maids. At that time, the 16- to 18-year-olds were called Junior Gleaners. 
  • You would mark your progress by attaching felt seals to your bright blue sash.
  • In 1959, the Junior Gleaner name was changed to Laurels.
  • It was an exciting time to be in Mutual, because every year you got to be in your ward's road show with the young men.  :)
  • You would also probably love the Saturday night dances put on by wards and stakes. These dances were a fun opportunity to mingle with young men, enjoy good music, and taste good food.
  • If you enjoyed playing basketball, you would have been excited about the girls' basketball teams—you could play as long as you had a female coach and followed girls' rules.


1960s
Fashion:
tailored suits and dresses
Our parents pictured above at a high school dance in 1964 or '65. 
Aren't they a good lookin' couple?
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Did you know?
  • In the 1960’s, some of the requirements to earn emblems for the Beehive bandalo included:
    • Strive to get your full nine hours beauty sleep each night this month. Make it a habit!
    • Increase your self-confidence by acquiring a good posture (sitting, standing, and walking.)
    • Politeness in all things is the mark of a lady. Practice at home being considerate and polite. Learn to accept directions graciously. Conscientiously try to improve.
    • Make the dinner hour joyous by improving table manners of the entire family.
    • Look for something beautiful every day for two months.
  • The first For The Strength of Youth pamphlet was printed in 1965.
image
1970s
Fashion:
Bell bottom pants.  Platform shoes.  Polyester.
(and yes, I watched Charlie's Angels)  :)
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Did you know?
  • Bandelos were discontinued in the early 1970s.
  • In 1974 the name is changed to Young Women, and the New Era begins.
1980s
Fashion: 
Over sized shirts, leggings, bleached denim, shoulder pads, and accessories were big and gaudy.
(This is Kathy, a couple years ago, dressed up for a Vanilla Ice concert at UVSC)  :)
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Did you know?
  • The Values program was started in 1985.
  • In the first Church wide Young Women activity, (on October 11, 1986) an estimated 300,000 gathered at sites around the world to release helium-filled balloons containing personal messages from the young women.  I remember this!
1990s - 2000s
Fashion: 
baby doll dresses, blue jeans/navy blazer/classic white shirt
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Did you know?
  • A new camp manual was introduced in 1993, focusing on service, spirituality, and the Young Women values.
  • In 2002 the Young Women Personal Progress program was revised and new Young Womanhood Recognition Medallion introduced.
  • The words "strengthen home and family" were also added to the Young Women theme in 2002.
  • In 2008 the value Virtue was added to the Young Women Theme.

Today
Fashion:
End with a presentation of all the young women. Each with a sash representing one of the value colors.  My thought would be to let the girls dress in their own way.  Celebrating their own unique beauty.(photo is of my beautiful daughters) :)
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Did you know?
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Over the years, the classes, requirements, and awards have dramatically changed. But the goal of learning to make the world a better place through service and self-improvement has been the same throughout the history of Young Women.
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Susan W. Tanner, Young Women general president , "If young women know of God's love for them, it will influence and shape all of their thoughts, feelings, and actions. They will understand they have a mission to perform in this life. They will have confidence in their ability to make responsible, righteous decisions. They will be able to resist temptation, to flee from worldly things, to dress modestly as is becoming of a divine daughter of God."

Bottle Caps

I thought I'd share what I came up with for Kim's young women in excellence.  They are using these to make bottle cap magnet sets for the girls.
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The photo below is a bit blurred, I know - a crisp version is available.  :)

Personal Progress Recognition

Here are a few ways (found in the Personal Progress Booklet:  Overview for Young Women section) to recognize the accomplishments the young women are making in the Personal Progress Program:
  • Young Women Meetings:  When all of the experiences and the project in a value are completed, we are to recognize their accomplishments.  This would be the time to present them with the appropriate emblem to place in their Personal Progress books (page 78), also presenting them with a ribbon for their scriptures.
  • Young Women in Excellence:  This, of course, is a time we give them the opportunity to share their accomplishments.
  • Class Advancement:  Success in personal progress may also be noted when certificates of advancement are received.
DISCUSSION
Now, here is the question and hopefully idea share:

"As leaders, how are you recognizing the accomplishments your young women are making in the Personal Progress Program?"

Fireworks

Here is a preview of a Young Women in Excellence I've been working on.  Any ideas are welcomed.  I am going to play around with the logo some more - not thrilled with the one below.  Check back for updates.  :)
PURPOSE  Highlight the Personal Progress Program.  Acknowledge the efforts the young women have put into their own Personal Progress.  Inspire them to let their light shine!

MUSIC
"A Light That's Pure" , by Dan Carter (click song title for lyrics and sheet music)
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RESOURCES FOR TALK(S)
"It Shows In Your Face", Sister Elaine Dalton
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PERSONAL PROGRESS POSSIBILITIES
  • Individual Worth #5  Participate in a *dance, speech, music, or drama performance at school, in your community, or at church. How did your participation in this activity strengthen your feelings of individual worth and self-confidence? Record your thoughts in your journal.
How fun would it be to have a dance performance by the Young Women, choreographed by a Young Woman (10 hour project)?
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They have been encouraged to participate in dance and other cultural arts this year. I know a few girls who would absolutely love this! Maybe even a Flash Mob!
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Here's one song idea and the reason I think it may be appropriate:  "Firework"  (KidzBop version)
There's a spark in you (Moroni 7:16  - spirit of Christ given to all)
You just gotta ignite the light (testimony)
And let it shine  (Matthew 5:16 - let your light so shine before men)
Just own the night, like the Fourth of July
Cause baby you're a firework
Come on show 'em what you're worth  (individual worth)
Come on let your colors burst  (value colors)
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DECOR/AMBIANCE
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Pinned Image
INDOOR FIREWORKS
found here
Imagine a backdrop of glittering fireworks!
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or for NEW BEGINNINGS:  Make a panel of fireworks representing each value, in it's respective color.  Lighting them as each value is being introduced.  Progressively filling the "sky" with a colorful firework display.  I can envision it, can you?  :)
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  • Table Decor plus Take-A-Way:    Have you heard of Wanderfuls?  I saw these centerpieces and thought "how clever and how fun!"  Especially for a firework themed event.  You could make a bouquet in every value color.
  • DIY Wanderfuls:  The wands are plastic tubes, topped with silk carnations, with a spray of ribbons coming out of the center. Filled with different kinds of candy.
  • If you don't do Wanderfuls... maybe a few containers with a few of these firework looking flowers.  Spider mums come in various colors.  Green, yellow, orange, red, white.  You could create a brilliant firework centerpiece!*
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DIY TISSUE POM POMS
instructions found here
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TAKE-A-WAY
Why not give the girls sparklers!?  I saw this adorable wedding favor here.
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Instead of the names of the bride and groom it could read something like...
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VIDEO PRESENTATION using SPARKLER PHOTOGRAPHY
I think it would be fun to have a video with images of all the YW values displayed like this by the young women.

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Unfortunately I do not know how to take these kind of photos.  But thankfully, Mack (our cousin) shared the following instructions for taking these kinds of photographs.  "Bless his heart!"
"Here is what I did to get the sparkler shots. If you have a DSLR, set the F Stop at 3.5(or as low as you can), shutter speed at 3-5 seconds, ISO 100, and set the fla...sh for a rear curtain flash. Make sure it's pretty dark. Focus on your subject, light the sparkler, try to hold still, and shoot away."  - Mack Jolley
I also found this fun sparkler font.  I love it!  It would also be fun to use.
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Stay tuned for the fireworks finale!
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